Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft$142K — $274K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field with 6+ years of technical engineering experience in programming languages (C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Python) or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to pass Microsoft Cloud background check for security clearance.
  • Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's Degree with 12+ years of experience preferred.
  • Deep expertise in distributed storage systems, databases, and cloud infrastructure at hyperscale.
  • Experience with designing AI-native services and AI-assisted engineering practices.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture, design, and delivery of high-scale storage platform capabilities for Microsoft 365.
  • Drive technical strategy across distributed databases, storage systems, and platform modernization.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define technical direction and resolve challenges.
  • Design AI-native systems and distributed storage architectures using modern engineering practices.
  • Establish technical standards for maintaining AI-enabled solutions securely and efficiently.
  • Use data analysis to identify and optimize service health and resource utilization.
  • Enhance live-site operations through root-cause analysis and incident prevention activities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Retirement savings options with company matching.
  • Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Access to employee resource groups for networking and support.
Full Job Description
Overview

We are the Store Database Team within Microsoft's Substrate Storage Fabric-the core platform that fuels Microsoft 365 experiences, from Outlook and Teams to the latest AI-powered Copilot innovations.

The Store Database team builds and operates the core data infrastructure that powers Microsoft's cloud-scale storage systems. We design and deliver highly available, performant, and scalable database solutions that support mission-critical workloads across the Substrate Platform. Our technology underpins key scenarios fundamental to Microsoft-including AI and Copilot experiences-by ensuring reliable, efficient, and consistent access to data at massive scale.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience and expertise in building and shipping ultra high scale storage and data access solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture, design, and delivery of large-scale storage platform capabilities that power Microsoft 365 data services, driving improvements in scalability, reliability, performance, and storage efficiency.
  • Drive technical strategy and execution across complex initiatives spanning distributed databases, storage systems, data protection, capacity planning, and next-generation platform modernization.
  • Partner with engineers, product managers, security, compliance, and dependent service teams to define technical direction, resolve cross-system challenges, and translate business and customer needs into durable technical solutions.
  • Lead the design of AI-native systems and distributed storage architectures, applying modern engineering practices that leverage AI-assisted development for system design, implementation, testing, debugging, and operations.
  • Establish technical standards and guardrails that ensure AI-enabled solutions remain secure, reliable, maintainable, and cost-efficient at hyperscale.
  • Use telemetry, experimentation, and data-driven analysis to identify bottlenecks, improve service health, optimize resource utilization, and guide engineering investments and architectural decisions.
  • Lead live-site excellence by driving root-cause analysis, resiliency improvements, operational automation, incident prevention, and safe deployment practices for mission-critical services running at global scale.
  • Mentor engineers and technical leaders across the organization, raise engineering standards, build shared technical judgment, and foster a culture of ownership, innovation, inclusion, and customer obsession.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.


Other Requirements:

Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • Deep expertise in distributed storage systems, databases, cloud infrastructure, and service architecture, including performance optimization, scalability, resiliency, data durability, and operational excellence at hyperscale.
  • Experience designing and operating AI-native services and applying AI-assisted engineering practices across system design, development, testing, deployment, and operations while maintaining high standards for security, privacy, compliance, and reliability.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, drive cross-organizational technical strategy, mentor senior engineers, and make data-driven architectural decisions in complex, highly collaborative engineering environments.


Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Microsoft

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Software Engineer jobs: